The goal for this petition is to move forward with much needed reform in order to create a positive and successful impact on the Freedom Boys Varsity Basketball Program. There is a community concern for the participants of this program regarding the lack of ethical standards in which the head coach is engaging our youth. l have read in the local news media, the Pojoaque Valley Community has publically displayed concerns about the lack of support from the Athletic Department as well as lack of success due to current leadership of the current squad. Our intent is by no means to place any type of guilt or blame on historical or current players, but to place the responsibility on the uncompetitive demeanor and lack of leadership. We believe that bringing in a new qualified and experienced Head Coach with fresh ideas, who’s focus is leading, competing and improving the team with modern team building techniques is what the Freedom High School Boys Basketball program has needed for several years. We need a professional leader who believes in equality and who upholds a standard for morale and confidence building- not biased attitudes. The qualified candidate must display successful communication and listening skills, and must be open to parent involvement as well as the consideration of community suggestions/ideas. All these attributes are much needed for a successful program. Listed are only a few key points we are bringing forward to the public eye regarding the current Head Boys Basketball Coach which are certainly grounds for concern and much needed change!
-Excessively displays favoritism towards certain players on the team.
-Displays a care free attitude toward the team resulting in low morale and lack of effort.
-Lack of professional ethics as a Coach, for example verbally criticizing or intimidating team members as well as publically humiliating players.
-Inability to effectively teach and lead the team, to help make improvements resulting in performing at a high school level.
-History of poor treatment towards players when frustrated, consistent unsportsmanlike conduct, and unbecoming of a leader or role model.
-Continued Lack of student interest in the basketball program, as well as history of drop out rate, due to head basketball coach
Because of our love and support of Freedom Area School District Athletics, we the following FASD players, students, parents, faculty, and fans of Freedom Area School Distric, sincerely and urgently request that you remove John Van Rossum as the Head Freedom Boys Varsity Basketball Coach immediately.
